Passwords leak, get guessed, get phished and get reused across websites. When a password is compromised, an attacker can sign in as the user — unless a second check is required. Two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication or 2FA) adds that second check, and it blocks the large majority of account takeover attempts.
How it works
After entering the correct password, the user must also prove they have something else — usually their phone. Without that second factor, the password alone is useless to an attacker.
Methods
- Authenticator apps generate time-based codes on the user's phone. They work offline and are more secure than SMS.
- Email codes are convenient where users already rely on email.
- SMS codes are familiar but vulnerable to SIM swap attacks; acceptable for many users, but not ideal for administrators.
- Recovery codes — single-use backup codes for when the phone is lost. Users should store them safely.
- Hardware security keys offer the strongest protection for high-risk accounts.
Where to require it
- Administrators and staff — always. An admin account takeover can compromise every customer.
- Accounts handling money — wallets, payouts, payment settings.
- Customers — offer it to everyone and encourage it, especially before sensitive actions.
Rolling it out smoothly
- Start with administrators and staff.
- Provide clear setup instructions with screenshots.
- Make recovery possible without weakening security — recovery codes and a verified support process.
- Remember trusted devices for a period, so users are not asked every time.
Complement, not replace
Two-step verification works best alongside strong passwords, alerts for new-device sign-ins and limits on failed attempts.
All our software includes two-step verification. See our web application development.
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